Wild speculation in Italy suggests Ferrari could be set for yet another change at the top of the fabled Maranello team. After the ultra-successful Jean Todt era, Ferrari has raced through team principals Stefano Domenicali, Marco Mattiacci and now the charismatic Maurizio Arrivabene.
"Ferrari has made some important steps forward," Todt, now the FIA president, said at the weekend. "Now they have to win races which is not easy when you face a very professional team (Mercedes) that does a fantastic job."
Autosprint, an authoritative Italian media source, reports that after Arrivabene failed to deliver a win in the opening four races of 2016, president Sergio Marchionne is now eyeing another change. The report said Arrivabene could be ousted and replaced by British technical boss James Allison. It goes on to suggest that, to fill Allison's current position, Ferrari could re-hire Aldo Costa, its former designer who is now working with roaring success at dominant champions Mercedes.
Autosprint even said an agreement between Ferrari and Mercedes could be reached so that Costa does not need to serve the customary 'gardening leave'. The German-language Speed Week said Ferrari and Mercedes did not comment. (GMM)
Replies (6)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
How would this benefit them?
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
It doesn't, it's just the reactionary behavior that has plagued Ferrari for years. While John Todt, Ross Brawn and Rory were at the top spots, they formed an untouchable cartel that provided staff security and a good (shady) bond with the FIA and other powers that be. Proved very effective during the Schumacher years.
Now they are being coerced by the Italian gutter press, as Mark Webber would call them, into making rash reactionary measures. They are not pro-active.
If Allison gets the job his position is at risk at the first sign of trouble, I doubt he will accept that role he is too smart for this kind of on the job polemics.
ruestchiva
Posts: 20
Its a long term change and I don't see how Ferrari could take a decission like this so quickly and crazy.
Vet5
Posts: 225
Its just the way Marchionne is, I remember meeting him at a meeting for SGS (Shareholders) and he doesn't hold back on his thoughts, all types of managers were s**t scared of him, but he does have a scarily calm voice :s At the end of the day I would replace Arrivabene as he has done a fantastic job, the past 4 races have been nothing but accidents which couldn't be avoided (Exceot from Australia where they should have sent Vettel out on new Softs & pitted again for softs, though I bet they have learnt from their mistake
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, I feel Arrivabene has been pretty good for Ferrari, so it feels like a mistake to replace him.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Cool story bruh, Merc are just going to let Aldo Costa go over to Ferrari without serving any kind of gardening leave.
Seems legit.